Praise for hospital pioneers

THE stalwarts who founded, built and grew Netcare The Bay Hospital over the past 21 years have been saluted for their allegiance and foresight.

Speaking at a gala celebratory function held at Protea Hotel The Richards on Saturday, Netcare Regional Director Ian Goble praised those who contributed to the hospital’s phenomenal success.

‘While healthcare leadership, state-of-the-art facilities and equipment have certainly been a hallmark of this fine establishment, I believe its greatest strength lies in the men and women serving their patients, their profession, their hospital and Netcare with such passion and dedication,’ said Goble.

‘Netcare The Bay Hospital continues to profoundly touch the lives of all South Africans, often when they are at their most vulnerable.

‘Each day doctors and our staff members face life and death situations and heartbreakingly sad stories.

‘They also get to share in moments of great joy while witnessing and performing medical miracles.’

Noble, who has been part of the Netcare coastal region for the past 16 years, reflected on the path travelled in the Bay Hospital’s history.

‘From its humble beginnings, opening as a 76-bed hospital for the princely sum of R20-million, the hospital has undergone a number of expansions and upgrades.

‘The most recent was the addition in 2012 of 63 new beds and a parking deck, at a cost of over R100-million.

‘The tertiary acute care hospital now boasts 263 beds and may well expand further in future.

‘Six General Managers have captained this ship, including Heinrich Venter who through his leadership over the past six years has driven this hospital to where it is considered one of Netcare’s flagship hospitals within South Africa.’

Goble also praised the Zululand Observer for ‘so succinctly documenting your experiencing of the hospital’s past in the 21 year supplement – it was certainly a great read.